This year's June was recorded on the past of Spain as the hottest since the beginning of the survey. The state weather agency AEMET has confirmed that the wave of utmost temperatures that visited the country is not only unprecedented, but besides deadly. According to the Karol III Institute of Health, in June alone heat contributed to the death of at least 380 people. This is simply a tragic balance that puts safety in question during the coming highest vacation months. Experts have no uncertainty – we are faced with a clear signal of progressive climate change, and the current heat wave, which was about to end, will take much longer than originally expected. The situation is not only dramatic in Spain; Italy is besides facing akin problems, where the highest level of alarm has been introduced in respective cities.
The black balance sheet of June. Hundreds of fatalities
The data published by the Charles III Institute of wellness in Madrid are alarming. As a consequence of utmost temperatures, which peculiarly affected at the end of June, At least 380 people died. This is the 3rd highest score in the past of measurements for this month. The magnitude of the tragedy is enormous, especially as compared to last year, erstwhile in June 2023 32 deaths due to heat were recorded "only" – it was more than a ten-fold increase.
The most deadly was June 2017, erstwhile a 1000 people died, and in 2022 – 828. This year's statistic show that the problem returns with large force. Most victims were reported in regions:
- Galacia: 77 deaths
- Madrid: 52 deaths
- Andalusia: 48 deaths
- Catalonia: 43 deaths
Importantly, the only autonomous communities that reported no heat deaths were Murcia, Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The Institute of wellness besides provided shocking information regarding the full first half of 2024. During this period due to utmost temperatures 2169 people have died, of which over 2000 are seniors over 65. These figures clearly indicate that the most susceptible groups are susceptible to always more frequent and intense heat waves.
Historical temperature records. Thermometers are crazy.
The magnitude of the phenomenon is confirmed by meteorological data. AEMET has informed that average temperature in June in Spain was 23.6 degrees Celsius. This is 0.8 degrees more than the erstwhile evidence that fell in 2017. Recordings fell not only nationally, but besides locally. In the municipality of El Granada in Andalusia thermometers showed absolutely evidence for June 46 degrees Celsius.
The situation is besides highly hard in Catalonia. The Fabra Observatory in Barcelona announced that the regional capital had survived the warmest June in its history, with an average temperature of 26 degrees. On Monday it was recorded there highest temperature in June since 1914, which was 37.9 degrees Celsius. This is simply a value akin to the absolute heat evidence for this city, which died on July 30, 2023 and was 40 degrees. Experts point out that this is an unprecedented situation, due to the fact that thanks to the position between the mountains and the Mediterranean, Barcelona has been little exposed to utmost heat than to cities inland, specified as Madrid and Seville.
"We are dealing with a very intense heat wave that came early in summertime and is clearly connected with global warming," commented Ramon Pascual, Barcelona's weather service representative, quoted by the Associated Press agency.
Forecasts don't give you hope. The heat won't let go
The top concern is that the heat wave, which according to the first forecasts was to end on Tuesday, does not let go. AEMET spokesperson Ruben del Campo reported that extreme temperatures can last at least until ThursdayAnd yet the weekend will inactive be very hot. This means further days of serious danger to the wellness and life of residents and tourists.
Forecasts for the next fewer days are ruthless. On Friday, temperatures may exceed 38 degrees Celsius in northeastern, central and confederate Spain. On the Balearics, mercury poles are expected to show more than 36 degrees. Nights are equally dangerous, referred to as "tropical". The minimum temperature in many places will not fall below 22 degrees Celsius, preventing the body from recovering and relaxing from heat, expanding the hazard of heat stroke and cardiac problems.
The authorities call for peculiar care, avoiding going outside at the hottest times of the day, ensuring adequate hydration and paying attention to the aged and the sick. This situation is becoming a fresh dangerous standard for summertime months in confederate Europe.
Italy is besides on fire. Red alert and work ban
Spain is not the only country to face utmost heat. The situation is equally dramatic in Italy. On Wednesday, the Ministry of wellness announced highest, red alert in a evidence number of 18 of the 27 largest cities of the country. The alert applies, among others, in Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Turin or Palermo, where the temperature reaches or exceeds 40 degrees Celsius.
In consequence to the threat, the authorities 15 of 20 Italian regions have introduced bans or restrictions on outdoor work at the hottest times of the day, usually between 12:30 and 4:00. According to La Stampa, evidence heat is blocking the work of around 3 million people, mainly in the construction and agriculture sectors. The media besides appeal to the public for solidarity – including refraining from ordering food with transportation during highest heat hours to defend couriers. "It is us customers who request to defend suppliers," the paper emphasises. The government, entrepreneurs and trade unions are expected to sign a national-wide protocol in the close future aimed at the systemic protection of workers performing their duties outside.
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Spain fights evidence heat. Hundreds of victims, and this is only the beginning of summer
